Squirrel proof bird feeder

ABSTRACT

This invention pertains to an improved and simplified means for squirrel proofing a bird feeder. Two aspects to be used in combination or independently are a latching lid and a closing means over the seed dispensing area The lid latching means comprises a lid with a means for engaging with the seed column and shaped holes, which communicate with projections on the handle to lock the lid in place. The closing mechanism comprises a seed cover that is actuated by a pivoting perch that can be either spring loaded or counter weighted.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention pertains to an improved and simplified means for squirrel proofing a bird feeder; specifically, a latching means for a lid and a closing mechanism on the seed dispensing area of the bird feeder base.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There are many bird feeder designs that attempt thwart unwanted animal species from feeding. One of the most practical and effective utilizes a pivot-mounted closing mechanism wherein the weight of the animal activates a cover that blocks the seed dispensing area. In addition to a closing mechanism, many feeders incorporate a latching means on the lid that covers the seed fill port, to further limit access to the seed by unwanted animals.

[0003] The type of mechanisms for lid latches and animal activated seed blocking mechanisms seen in prior art usually involves several components, which adds to the complexity and cost to the bird feeder.

[0004] The improvements in this invention will simplify the lid latching and seed blocking means, whereby improving its effectiveness and ease of operation, in addition to reducing manufacturing requirements.

ADVANTAGES

[0005] This invention will provide an improved and simplified means for squirrel proofing a bird feeder over prior art. The resulting benefits will be ease of operation and greater effectiveness. With simplification, the probability of a malfunction will be reduced, and people will be able to easily understand how to use the mechanism for maintenance. Simplicity will also reduce manufacturing requirements, due to fewer parts and less hardware required for assembly.

[0006] The improvements will enable the components to be manufactured by inexpensive processes from either metal, by stamping, or in plastic by molding.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1: top and side view of the lid and means for latch

[0008]FIG. 2: stop tab on lid

[0009]FIG. 3: wire handle with means to latch lid

[0010]FIG. 4: perspective drawing of the lid in communication with wire handle on the seed column

[0011]FIG. 5: flat view of the base—Embodiment 1

[0012]FIG. 6: flat view of the seed cover, part of the closing mechanism—Embodiment 1

[0013]FIG. 7: perspective drawing of the closing mechanism in communication with the feeder's base—Embodiment 1

[0014]FIG. 8: flat view of the base—Embodiment 2

[0015]FIG. 9: flat view of the seed cover, part of the closing mechanism—Embodiment 2

[0016]FIG. 10: perspective view of the closing mechanism in communication with the feeder's base—Embodiment 2

REFFERENCE NUMERALS FOR DRAWINGS

[0017]1: shaped holes

[0018]2: depressed area

[0019]3: projection in handle

[0020]4: fold lines

[0021]5: holes—trunnion for pivot

[0022]6: floor of feeder base

[0023]7: sides of base

[0024]8: trunnion tabs to fit trunnion holes

[0025]9: welding surface for perch/counterweight

[0026]10: perch/counterweight

[0027]11: restrictive opening on seed cover

[0028]12: pivot holes for the perch/actuator

[0029]13: spring attachment holes

[0030]14: attachment holes for the seed column

[0031]15: drainage holes

[0032]16: through-hole for perch/actuator

[0033]17: perch/actuator

[0034]18: spring

DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the following description, the invention will be separated into two aspects: A) means for latching the lid and B) means for closing seed dispensing area. To prevent access to seed by undesirable animals, a bird feeder could incorporate either aspect, independently or in combination.

[0036] A. Means for Latching the Lid:

[0037] The claimed latching means for a bird feeder lid could have many possible embodiments, including many viable methods and materials for manufacture—stamping and forming out of sheet metal is preferred

[0038] The lid is formed from a piece of material with desired size and shape, according to the aesthetic design considerations. The lid has a means for engaging with the seed column which could comprise either a depressed area, or a flange, that fits over the seed column (FIG. 1; 2). Two shaped holes are on the outside of the depressed cap area, equal distant from the lid's center (FIG. 1; 1). The shaped holes could be grooves that run parallel or tangential to the side of the seed column when the lid is in position on the seed column, with a part of the groove turning perpendicular. The wire handle goes through the shaped holes on the lid (FIG. 4) and attaches to the seed column in a way that will allow the handle to pivot in a front to back direction. Additional locking can be accomplished by creating a stop tab in the groove (FIG. 2). Projections are in the handle (FIG. 3; 3).

[0039] Operation of the Latching Lid:

[0040] The lid has a means for engaging with the top of the seed column that prevents the lid from moving out of position horizontally. This means could comprise either a depressed area or a flange that fits over or into the seed column. The depth of the depressed area or flange will improve the ability to keep the lid in position. When the handle is in the vertical position, the projections in the handle lock against sides of the shaped holes in the lid, which prevents the lid from lifting up. When the handle is pivoted back, the projections in the handle align with the area of the shaped holes that is perpendicular to the seed column. This position allows the projections in the handle to fit through the lid, whereby allowing the depressed cap area to be lifted off the seed column.

[0041] B. Means for Closing the Seed Dispensing Area:

[0042] The means for closing the seed dispensing area could have many embodiments including many methods and materials for manufacture—stamping and forming out of sheet metal is preferred. The preferred embodiments will be described in the following as Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

[0043] Embodiment 1:

[0044] Description of Embodiment 1: Embodiment 1 comprises a base with sides that fold up at 90 degree angles to form a tray (FIG. 5; 4). A floor to the tray is shown in (FIG. 5; 6). A hole on two sides of the base to form a trunion (FIG. 5; 5). Extending the sides can form a seed column or create an attachment point for a separate piece, such as a square plastic tube, to be used as a seed column. Drainage holes can be added to the floor as necessary.

[0045] A seed cover, stamped and formed out of sheet metal, is folded along dotted lined in FIG. 6; 4. Trunnion taps on the seed cover (FIG. 6; 8) fit into the trunnion holes on the sides of the base. A perch/counter weight, comprising a shaped piece wire of a diameter to provide adequate weight, is welded to the welding surface on the seed cover (FIG. 6; 9). Further enclosure of the seed area can be created by having a restrictive access opening on the seed cover (FIG. 6; 11 and FIG. 7; 11)

[0046] Operation of Embodiment 1: FIG. 7 depicts the operation of the seed closing mechanism, whereby the seed closing mechanism pivots to the closed position when an animal that is heavier than the counterweight goes on the perch.

[0047] Embodiment 2:

[0048] Description of Embodiment 2: Embodiment 2 comprises a base with sides that fold up at 90 degree angles to form a tray (FIG. 8; 4). A floor to the tray is shown in FIG. 8; 6. A set of holes are on two sides of the base to form a trunion (FIG. 8; 5) for the closing mechanism; a pivot for a perch/actuator.(FIG. 8;12); and holes for the attachment of the spring (FIG. 8;13). Extending the sides can form a seed column or a separate piece can be attached, such as a square plastic tube (FIG. 8; 14). Drainage holes can be added to the floor as necessary (FIG. 8; 15).

[0049] A seed cover, stamped and formed out of sheet metal is folded on the dotted lines in FIG. 9; 4. Trunnion tabs on the seed cover (FIG. 9; 8) fit into the trunion holes on the sides of the base. A hole is in a tab at the top of the closing mechanism to provide an attachment point for a spring (FIG. 9; 13) and a hole is at the bottom corner for the perch/actuator (FIG. 9; 16). A perch/actuator comprising a shaped piece of wire (FIG. 10; 17) goes through the hole on seed cover and fits into the pivot holes on the base (FIG. 10; 12). A spring attaches between the seed cover and the base (FIG. 10; 18).

[0050] Operation of Embodiment 1: The perch/actuator (FIG. 10; 17) communicates with the seed cover through a hole (FIG. 10; 16) wherein the perch/actuator slides through the hole when the perch pivots down to push the cover to the closed position. The hole (FIG. 10; 16) is oversized to allow the perch/actuator to slide freely and to compensate for the change in aspect due to the arc of rotation of the closing seed cover. A spring (FIG. 10; 18) returns the closing mechanism to the open position. The spring can be an extension coil spring or any type mounted to retract the seed cover. If an extension spring is used, it can be pulled out to a further attachment point on the base (FIG. 8; 13) to increase resistance.

[0051] The base can be formed to create a seed dispensing area on the opposite side of the feeder. The closing mechanism can be duplicated on the opposite side of the feeder to create a double-sided squirrel proofing. 

We claim: 1) A bird feeder comprising: a) a base having a floor and sides b) a seed column attached to, or formed from the sides of said base c) a seed dispensing area d) a lid having shaped holes e) a wire handle having projections that communicate with said shaped holes on the lid f) a means for latching said lid to said seed column. 2) The bird feeder of claim 1, further comprising: a) trunnion holes in the sides of said base b) a seed cover having trunnion tabs c) a shaped wire perch/counter-weight attached to said seed cover d) a means to prevent a squirrel from accessing said seed dispensing area, whereby a squirrel's weight on the perch/counter-weight causes the seed door to pivot to a closed position over the seed dispensing area. 3) The bird feeder of claim 1, further comprising: a) trunnion holes in the sides of said base b) a spring c) a shaped wire perch/actuator d) pivot holes in the sides of said base for attaching said perch/actuator e) an attachment point for said spring in the side of said base f) a seed cover having trunnion tabs, an attachment point for said spring, and a through-hole for said perch/actuator g) a means to prevent a squirrel from accessing said seed dispensing area, whereby a squirrel's weight on the perch/actuator causes the seed cover to pivot to a closed position over the seed dispensing area 4) The bird feeder of claim 1 having a plastic seed column attached to said base 5) A bird feeder comprising: a) a base having a floor and sides b) a seed column attached to, or formed from the sides of said base c) a seed dispensing area d) trunnion holes in the sides of said base e) a spring f) a shaped wire perch/actuator g) pivot holes in the sides of said base for attaching said perch/actuator h) an attachment point for said spring in the side of said base i) a seed cover having trunnion tabs, an attachment point for said spring, and a through-hole for said perch/actuator j) a means to prevent a squirrel from accessing said seed dispensing area, whereby a squirrel's weight on the perch/actuator causes the seed cover to pivot to a closed position over the seed dispensing area 5) The bird feeder of claim 5, further comprising: a) a lid having shaped holes b) a wire handle having projections that communicate with said shaped holes on the lid c) a means for latching said lid to said seed column. 6) The bird feeder of claim 5 having a plastic seed column attached to said base. 